By Our Reporter
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has approached the Supreme Court, requesting the annulment of the Rivers State Local Government election held on October 5, 2024. The ruling party’s appeal follows a recent judgment by the Appeal Court, which did not favor the APC.
During Monday’s hearing, the Supreme Court disclosed that a date for the final judgment would be announced later. This legal challenge stems from the earlier ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who had barred the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Department of State Security from providing security for the election. Additionally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was restrained from releasing the voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Despite these restrictions, the Rivers State government proceeded with the election, in which the opposition Action People’s Party (APP) secured a decisive victory, winning 22 out of the 23 local government seats. In response, the Rivers State government appealed the Federal High Court’s decision, challenging Justice Lifu’s ruling.
The appellate court ultimately overturned the lower court’s decision, stating that Justice Lifu had overstepped his jurisdiction by preventing security agencies from participating in the election. The court clarified that Section 28 of the Electoral Act only applies to federal elections, including governorship and area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
Displeased with the Appeal Court’s judgment, the APC has now taken its case to the Supreme Court, seeking a declaration that the Rivers State local government election be nullified.
The five-member panel at the Supreme Court, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, has reserved its judgment for a date yet to be disclosed.